Belt edge scraper

Abstract

An edge scraper device for the inboard edge of a belted track-type vehicle removes debris from the track edge as the vehicle operates in muddy or trash-laden environments by close-proximity relationship to the track edge. Spring biasing and adjustment devices retain the scraper device in a functionally close proximity to the track edge. The edge scraper device is mounted substantially above the track to prevent fallen debris from accumulating on the device.

I claim: 
     
       1. An edge scraper device for a track of a track-type work machine, the track having an inboard edge toward the center of the work machine, comprising: a mounting frame having a frame end and a pivot end, the frame end being attached to the work machine and the pivot end having a pivot assembly;   a first mounting arm extending longitudinally with the track, the first mounting arm having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end attaching to the pivot assembly; and   a first scraper assembly having a connecting portion and a scraper arm, the scraper arm being in close proximity to the inboard edge of the track for contacting and removing debris from the track edge and being substantially perpendicular to the first mounting arm, the connecting portion joining the scraper arm to the first mounting arm at the distal end, wherein the mounting arm is pivotally movable about the pivot assembly in response to a force on the scraper assembly.   
     
     
       2. The scraper device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a second mounting arm extending longitudinally with the track, the second mounting arm having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end attaching to the pivot assembly; and a second scraper assembly having a connecting portion and a scraper arm, the scraper arm being in close proximity to the inboard edge of the track for contacting and removing debris from the track and being substantially perpendicular to the second mounting arm, the connecting portion joining the scraper arm to the second mounting arm at the distal end.   
     
     
       3. The scraper device of claim 1 wherein the pivot end has a face portion and further comprising spring means flexibly connecting the first mounting arm and the face portion, the spring means being between the distal and proximal ends of the first mounting arm and resiliently mounting the scraper assembly relative to the mounting frame. 
     
     
       4. The scraper device of claim 2 wherein the pivot end has a face portion and further comprising spring means flexibly connecting the second mounting arm and the face portion, the spring means being between the distal and proximal ends of the second mounting arm. 
     
     
       5. The scraper device of claim 1 further comprising adjustment means for positioning the first scraper assembly with respect to the inboard edge of the track, the adjustment means being between the distal and proximal ends of the first mounting arm. 
     
     
       6. The scraper device of claim 2 further comprising adjustment means for positioning the second scraper assembly with respect to the inboard edge of the track, the adjustment means being between the distal and proximal ends of the second mounting arm. 
     
     
       7. The scraper device of claim 1 wherein the first mounting arm is substantially above the track. 
     
     
       8. The scraper device of claim 2 wherein the second mounting arm is substantially above the track. 
     
     
       9. The scraper device of claim 1 wherein the scraper arm has end portions and a center portion and the end portions taper away from the center portion. 
     
     
       10. The scraper device of claim 2 wherein each scraper arm has end portions and a center portion and the end portions taper away from the center portion. 
     
     
       11. The scraper device of claim 1 wherein the pivot assembly has an axis of rotation substantially normal to the plane of travel of the track. 
     
     
       12. The scraper device of claim 1 wherein the pivot assembly is non-rotating. 
     
     
       13. The scraper device of claim 1 wherein the scraper arm assembly is non-rotating.